There are so many great shows taking place this weekend, including two noteworthy shows both happening at Red 7. Look out Mohawk, Red 7 is becoming my favorite place in Austin to catch a show. Granted the two venues are cousins but nonetheless Red 7 is my top choice for this evening as they host headliners, Gardens & Villa on the inside stage. Tickets are still available online so it's possible you could just pay the cover at the door. However, the latest release from Gardens & Villa is fucking great so it's possible this show could sell out in the next couple of hours.


Gardens & Villa - Bullet Train video via YouTube

Meanwhile, just outside the double doors from Gardens & Villa you'll find legendary band, Sebadoh. Tickets for the outside show are completely separate from the inside performance and you'll enter from the alley behind Red 7. Again, these tickets are still available at the moment but the show is only a few hours away so it's possible they'll be gone before doors open. Purchase NOW if you're interested in either of these shows.

If you want to keep things on the purely local tip, I recommend checking out Dana Falconberry and Jack Wilson over at Swan Dive. This show promises to be the perfect date show, if that's your thing and if you're flying solo or hanging when friends then maybe Jack and Dana will be your Valentines? There are three tiers of tickets available for this intimate event, one of which is already sold-out.


Dana Falconberry & Jack Wilson - Swan Dive Tonight! video via YouTube

Saturday be sure to investigate MapJam. It's a really interesting event in which great Austin bands play a free set in various spaces on the east side throughout tomorrow afternoon. I particularly want to highlight Growl and Magna Carda. Growl has been nominated for an Austin Music Blogger Award and Magna Carda will be performing at the awards event on Thursday, February 27th. I would love to see you at the AMBAs and I encourage you to buy your ticket in advance as the price will increase on the day of the show.

John Talabot in Austin Tonight!

Spain's own John Talabot will be in Austin tonight. You can find him at Kingdom nightclub, located in the alley behind the Frost Tower. He is in Austin as part of his DJ Kicks tour. Word on the street is Mr. Talabot will be doing a three hour DJ set in Austin's best late-night lounge. Even though the show is tonight and the venue is small there are still $20 tickets available. This show doesn't have the buzz that I anticipated it would but I also feel like electronic acts don't get as much respect as they deserve here in Austin. Sure tonight's set is "just a DJ set" but John Talabot is one of the best working producers/DJs in the world right now so if you can stay out late on a Wednesday, you should.


John Talabot - Without You" [DJ-Kicks Exclusive] video via YouTube

As if John Talabot weren't enough, Austin's-own Learning Secrets will be keeping the party going at Kingdom this evening. Learning Secrets have been nominated in the Best DJ Category at the Austin Music Blogger Awards as well. The awards event will take place on February 27th and will feature performances from some of my favorite bands and DJs. If you plan on attending the AMBAs, and I hope that you do, you should join the event page so your friends know you're going. It's also a good idea that you get tickets in advance because I wouldn't want you to miss out on the opportunity to buy me a drink.